A fanfare of silver bugles heralded the beginning of the ceremony, after which the Rifles' Honorary Padre, the Rev Colin Fox, blessed the trees and dedicated them to the fallen Riflemen.

Rev Fox said: “Trees are a very appropriate tribute; trees provide a sense of stability and permanence; their roots push aside soil and debris to sustain life.”

Lieutenant General Sir Nick Carter, who is also the Colonel Commandant of The Rifles, used a silver spade to perform the ceremonial planting.

“This Regiment has had to shoulder a tremendous amount of sacrifice whilst in action both in Iraq and Afghanistan. These two trees provide a truly fitting memorial here at the very heart of the Regiment, its headquarters in Winchester,” he said.

Peninsular Barracks is the home of the Regimental Headquarters of The Rifles and the need to replace two trees in front of the headquarters created an opportunity to commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrific